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L-valine

L-valine suppliers and sourcing guide

L-valine is an essential, branched-chain amino acid. Commercial L-valine is made by bacterial fermentation of sugars, often with Corynebacterium glutamicum or Escherichia coli strains, then purified by ion exchange and crystallized. Brands buy it as a white crystalline powder, mainly as one part of branched-chain amino acid blends and essential amino acid mixes.

Also known as
Valine · L-Val · (S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutanoic acid
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of L-valine

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Crystalline

    Standard fine crystalline powder for capsules, tablets and dry blends.

  • Instantized

    L-valine agglomerated or coated with a small amount of lecithin (often sunflower or soy) so it wets and disperses in water; check the lecithin source for allergen labeling.

  • Fermented (plant-sugar) grade

    L-valine made by bacterial fermentation of corn, cassava or beet sugar; the source and any vegan statement appear on the supplier's spec.

  • USP grade

    L-valine tested to the USP monograph, used where a compendial grade is required for supplements.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity
Infrared spectrum matched to a reference standard, plus specific optical rotation, which confirms the L-form of valine.
Assay
Purity on a dried basis by nonaqueous titration or HPLC, reported against the USP, FCC or supplier specification.
Related substances
Other amino acids by HPLC or TLC, with leucine, isoleucine and alanine the usual companions in fermentation-grade valine.
Loss on drying and residue on ignition
Moisture by loss on drying and inorganic residue as residue on ignition (sulfated ash), with chloride and sulfate where the specification lists them.
Heavy metals and microbiology
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, plus total plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli and Salmonella.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store L-valine in tightly closed, lined containers in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors, and reseal opened packs promptly. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier's specification; assay, loss on drying and micro are the usual retest points for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay and source for each lot, and note the lecithin type for instantized lots. Rotate stock FEFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

L-valine suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.

Frequently asked questions

What forms of L-valine can brands buy?

Common forms include crystalline, instantized, fermented (plant-sugar) grade and uSP grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for L-valine include?

Expect identity, assay, related substances, loss on drying and residue on ignition and heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should L-valine be stored?

Store L-valine in tightly closed, lined containers in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors, and reseal opened packs promptly. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier's specification; assay, loss on drying and micro are the usual retest points for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of L-valine?

21 CFR 172.320 lists L-valine among the amino acids that may be safely used as nutrients added to foods. Under 21 CFR 172.320, added plus naturally present L-valine may not exceed 7.4 percent by weight of the total protein of the finished food. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists L-valine with the technical effects flavoring agent or adjuvant and nutrient supplement.

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